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Alaska: U.S. & Canada Release Joint Statement on Climate, Energy, and Arctic Leadership; Concerns Expressed That No Alaskans Were Consulted By MARY KAUFFMAN - The White House today released a joint statement from the United States and Canada on Climate, Energy, and Arctic Leadership. The statement was the culmination of meetings between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Barack Obama at the White House – the first visit from a Canadian head of state in 20 years.

While there are sections of the joint statement that could hinder economic and resource development in Alaska, there are also areas that Alaskans could support. Canada is the United States’ closest ally and a vital partner in Arctic cooperation.

The statement began with a commitment for Canada and the U.S. to cooperate on implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and commitment to reduce methane emissions by 40-45 percent below 2012 levels by 2025 from the oil and gas sector.

The statement also announced a new partnership embracing the opportunities and confronting the challenges in the changing Arctic, with Indigenous and Northern partnerships. Indigenous peoples have great political and cultural importance for the United States and Canada.

The partnership’s four objectives are: Conserving Arctic biodiversity through science-based decision making; Incorporating Indigenous science and traditional knowledge into decision-making; Building a sustainable Arctic economy; and, Supporting strong Arctic communities. Under the first objective, there is agreement to re-affirm national goals of protecting at least 17 percent of land areas and 10 percent of marine areas in the Arctic by 2020. Notably, the third objective does not close the door on Arctic oil and gas development, but does call for science-based standards for environmental protection and robust emergency response standards.

Prior to today's announcement, the Canadian Prime Minister had met with all Premiers of the Northern Territories and Provinces of his country to solicit their advice and input. However, Alaska officials were concerned that no Alaskans had been consulted on the objectives laid out by President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau.

In the wake of the joint announcements made by President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Gov. Bill Walker said in a prepared statement, "While I appreciate the White House’s continued engagement in Arctic issues, it is concerning that no Alaskans were consulted on the objectives laid out by President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau today."

Walker said, “As the United States’ only Arctic region, Alaska should play a significant role in setting our nation’s goals and priorities for Arctic development. The Arctic presents great opportunity for our state and our nation to prosper in a global economy. However, the way to achieve that is by greater federal investment in our state’s Arctic development efforts, and not the restrictive policies that were presented today. It is important to consider the interests of all stakeholders in the region – whether it be focused on marine and wildlife preservation, international travel and shipping, or natural resource development. In doing so, we will ensure Alaska and the United States remain at the forefront of a flourishing Arctic economy.”

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in a prepared statement, “I join my fellow Americans in welcoming Canada’s new prime minister to our nation’s capital." Murkowski said the announcement made today falls far short of the holistic vision needed for the Arctic and its people.

Murkowski said, “My long-standing criticism of the Obama Administration is that it sees the Arctic through the singular lens of climate change. It has failed – for almost eight years, today included – to account for the full range of issues and needs in the region."

“Although the joint statement makes topical reference to consultation with indigenous people and the incorporation of traditional knowledge into decision-making, it also implies unjustifiable limits that will leave Alaskans standing at the door, rather than seated at the table, on Arctic policy," said Murkowski. - More...
Thursday PM - March 10, 2016

Alaska: Process to Streamline Alaska’s $3.2 Billion Economic Development Activities Begins -Governor Bill Walker today signed Administrative Order 281 to begin the process to explore options for a more streamlined and effective approach to economic development in the state. Three state corporations - Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) - will participate in finding potential opportunities for efficiency and consolidation.

“It’s important that members of these economic development agencies play an active role in finding opportunities to improve both effectiveness and efficiencies,” Governor Walker said. “As the state scales back on spending, we must also diversify our economy. I look forward to seeing the recommendations put forth by AEA, AIDEA and AHFC on the most efficient way to do so.”

About 440 people work at AEA, AIDEA and AHFC, which have a combined $3.2 billion in net assets.

“Today’s current environment of low oil prices and declining production necessitates a proactive response that signals to bond holders, business partners and Alaska families that our agencies are committed to doing our part to improve the economic health of the state,” said Bryan Butcher, AHFC CEO and Executive Director. “This administrative order sets in motion an initiative to strengthen and give laser-focus to AHFC’s assets, capabilities and talents.”

The steady decline in oil production and an outlook for a prolonged period of low oil prices is driving structural fiscal and economic change in Alaska. Quoting Administrative Order 281, waiting for the circumstance to self-correct is not an option. The State must deal with its new economic reality in a bold and thoughtful manner in order to ensure future prosperity.

The current structure and focus of AHFC, AEA, and AIDEA consistent with objectives of the Administrative Orderwill be evaluated. These three public corporations of the State were established decades ago and designed to support specific activities in furtherance of State objectives. Although these corporations have delivered a great deal of benefit to the state, it is time to consider whether they are currently optimally structured to dynamically facilitate future economic growth and diversification. - More...
Thursday PM - March 10, 2016

Alaska: Court Ruling Clarifies Rules for Tipped Employees - In a recent decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, employers may not mandate that tipped employees share tips with employees who do not customarily receive tips. The court decision does not prohibit “tip pooling” where only tipped employees share in the pool, however, tipped employees may not be required to share their tips with employees such as cooks who work in a kitchen removed from direct contact with the customer, dishwashers, managers and janitors.

“This court decision could have significant impacts on how Alaska servers, bartenders, and other workers get paid, and I encourage employers to review their compensation policies to ensure they comply with the law,” said Alaska Department of Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas.

The court decision will likely increase the total amount of tips retained by Alaska servers, bartenders, and other tipped workers. The practice of assigning a portion of tip income toward meeting the current hourly minimum wage of $9.75, commonly referred to as taking a “tip credit,” is not allowed under Alaska law. - More...
Thursday PM - March 10, 2016

Alaska: Application System for Marijuana Establishment Licenses Recently Unveiled - The Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) recently opened the state’s online application for marijuana establishment licenses. February's launch of the online application system is a major milestone in the state’s schedule for implementing and regulating marijuana establishments as passed by citizen’s initiative in November 2014.

Individuals who are interested in applying for a marijuana establishment license should visit the AMCO website for guidance on the process; they should also read the application instructions before initiating an application. It is critical that all prospective licensees read and understand the regulations. Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) are being added on the AMCO website regularly. A training video about the marijuana establishment license application process is also available on the AMCO website.

On February 24th, the first day the system was available, 68 applications were initiated. The Marijuana Control Board (MCB) is not limited in the number of marijuana licenses it can issue at the state level. There is no deadline to apply for a marijuana establishment license; the MCB will accept applications on a rolling basis and will review applications for licenses at its regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year.

The public can expect to begin seeing public notices regarding prospective marijuana establishments this week. As with alcoholic beverage license applications, prospective marijuana establishment licensees must post a copy of their application at the business location and advertise in the local newspaper for three weeks; after the notice period is complete, supplemental documents can be submitted to the AMCO. For those applications that were initiated in February, the AMCO anticipates beginning to review for completeness in mid-March. - More...
Thursday PM - March 10, 2016